Samsung TV makes a strange clicking sound
My Samsung TV (52″ LCD) started clicking several times before finally switching on after 30 seconds, this relay clicking gradually got worse each time I turned the set on. ( It turns out that this is quite a common problem with Samsung TV’s of all sizes). The problem seems to start after the TV is a year or two old (normally outside guarantee) and sounds like a relay clicking on and off. Samsung deny there is a design problem, so I thought rather than spend money on an engineer, I would try and fix the problem myself.
I thought the first place to look for a problem like this is in the power supply.
- I unscrewed the back cover of the TV (20 screws)
- Removed the metal cover of the power supply (4 screws)
- I carefully looked over the power supply looking for anything out of the ordinary, low and behold I could see a few capacitors (the cylindrical shaped components) that had raised tops. These raised tops are caused when the capacitor breaks down and forms hydrogen gas, if left, eventually the capacitors will blow, and hopefully the top will split open and release the gas pressure, if not, they may just explode.
Check out Capacitor Lab for more details on what to look for when a capacitor fails.
I checked out the replacement cost of a new power supply board, I couldn’t find the exact power supply online but this company has ones for smallers TV starting at around £160. So I was guessing it would be around £200 for a new one. Ouch, definately time to DIY.
I decided to replace all the capacitors in the power supply, I guessed if some were bad, then probably Samsung use cheap or poorly designed capacitors and at some point the others would go bad too. and replacing all the capacitors wouldn’t cost much more .
Each Capacitor has 3 important values
- The capacitance measured in μF (micro farads) eg (1000μF)
- Voltage (eg 50V)
- Temperature (eg 105°C)
This particular Power Supply Unit (PSU) has 3 different types.
- 1000μF 105°C at 10V
- 1000μF 105°C at 25V
- 47uF 105°C at 50V
RS Components have a good selection, so I opted to buy from there. It cost about £12 including postage for a 5 pack of each of the capacitors. I took a few photos of the circuit board so I wouldn’t forget what I was doing and set to work.
I re-opened the TV, and completely removed the Power Supply Circuit Board, you need to remove several connectors, again, I took some photos just in case I couldn’t work out where they all went when putting it back together. I made sure the Power Supply didnt have any residual power stored in the capacitors by unplugging the TV (whilst it was turned on) from the plug. This is very important as messing with a power supply even 30 minutes after it has been turned off can still give you a nasty shock.
I then drew a simple diagram marking the polarity of each capacitor. To remove each capacitor takes a little time, you need to heat each pin using a soldering iron and whilst it is still molten pull or wiggle each leg out in turn. I found it easiest when I used the other leg as a pivot and rotate the capacitor around the fixed leg.
Anyway once removed, you I used the de-solder pump to clean up any solder that was clogging up the hole and then I inserted a new capacitor (checking the values again) and making sure the polarity was same as the one I had just removed. turning the board over, I bent the pins a little, soldered the joints, and snipped off any left over wire.
I put the board back in and hey-presto it all worked beautifully. Job took about 2 hours in total and excluding tools £12 for the components and postage.
[Added 21th May 2009]
If you snap off the solder connector on the PCB when doing this replacement, it is worth noting that you can re-attach your component in another place as long as it is electrically equal. The Red Line in the diagram below shows where an existing component was, this component could then be re-soldered into any of the positions marked in green. But in the case of a capacitor which has + positive and – negative legs, you must make sure that the leg is re-attached to the same track, I have marked with a + plus sign which track it must be re-attached too.
[Added 7th Dec 2009]]
After replacing the capacitors a few people are still having problems, it appears that this can be fixed by resetting the EPROM chip (apparently – a simple matter of shorting two of the pins). http://www.tv.quuq.org/forum/index.php?topic=2377
and http://www.tv.quuq.org/forum/index.php?topic=1744.0 both detail the procedure, although it hasn’t worked for everyone who tried it. (Thanks to Jason for these links)
[Added 10th March 2010]
You are not alone, there have been almost 65,000 visits to this page in the last year. The answers to many of the questions people are asking are scattered through the previous comments, Most people with little experience have been successful in fixing their TV’s although for a few, it didn’t work, the symptoms were similar but cause was different. A few of the more recent comments reveal that people are becoming more successful with getting Samsung to repair their TV’s, its definitely worth trying before you launch into a self fix.
[Added 28th June 2010]
Before attempting repairs yourself it is probably worth trying to see if Samsung will repair the TV for you, Samsung seem to now accept (unofficially at least ) that there is a defect in these capacitors, and in an increasing number of cases will send out an engineer to fix them. Skim through the comments below to get more info.. A polite but assertive approach seems to yield best results, remember they are in the wrong and there is plenty of consumer law in most countries covering their liabilites and responsibilities.
If you fail to get Samsung to repair it, 100′s of people have had success with the replacement fix I describe above, a few of the failures are probably due to similar symptoms but a different fault. Again if you are unsure read some of the 100′s of comments below
[Added 25th February 2012]
**** Samsung has settled a Class Action Law Suit (in the U.S.) http://www.samsung.com/us/capacitorsettlement/ *****
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I had the same issue with my 42″ LCD TV. The rep Tamara offered me a one time free fix if it is the capacitors. If it is not, I will be responsible for the trip charge and service costs to fix. But based on this site, I feel I will be ok. Newport News, VA.
I too have experienced clicking and delayed turning on problems with my Samsung TV. In calling Samsung and being direct in asking for them to be responsible for the defect, they are willing to fix capacitors without charge assuming that’s the problem.
I have the problem. Bought a new tv LG took the old one down the cellar. The blue capicitors are expanded up with a white gummy looking material between them. Some other components have the same material on them they are much smaller. Does that mean they are gone and I don’t know what they are.
Chuck
Have a 40″ LCD tv (mfg 4/2008) which has been clicking on/off for up to 30 mins before it came on. Thanks to this site, I contacted Samsung last week and they told me they have been having some trouble with the capacitors [because not all TVs mfg were effected, they didn't issue a recall is what service rep told me] on certain TVs and would send out a local repair guy for a one time fix. If not problem with capacitors, I would have to pay for the repair. Service guy called me within a few hours of my calling Samsung, came to the house a few days later, turned out the capacitors were bad and no cost to me. End of the day, I have a TV that turns on in seconds!
FYI – I have a girlfriend who also bought the same TV at the same time and she has had no problems with her 40″ LCD.
I had the same issue with my 46″ LCD which is almost 3 years old. Three 10V capacitors were blown. I took the board to repair shop and the capacitor change cost me 13EUR. Very decent job, soldering looks like new and TV works now.
Great thanks for tips. Very easy to follow, nothing breaks, no seals will be corrupted.
I had the same issue with my 46″ LCD TV model LE-46F86B
By the replacement of capicitors CM 852 and 853 both 2200uF 10v 105C —> 2200uF 16v 105C
( on the powerboard) The problem was fixed for a few euro
Thanks for all info
You are an absolute legend – just paid £1.63 for 4 capacitors and it works…..thanks so much
Thank you for that info mine has been doing it for ages….and takes longer and longer to switch on..not good for a £2k tv!!!1 will be on the phone to samsung asap!!!
I have a Samsung LE40R88BD LCD TV, and it recently started to exhibit the same symptoms as others here.
Finally on Sunday all it would do is ‘click’ but not come on at all. I registered with Samsung UK and then sent them a support request asking if they would consider carrying out a one time repair on the TV for free, if it was the capacitor issue.(This is bearing in mind the TV is three years old). I also pointed out that I had found a number of websites that have catalogued this issue, and that it appears to be a common problem.
Within a couple of hours I had a reply from Samsung, stating that an engineer would call me within 2 days to arrange a free inspection of the TV. If it has the capacitor problem then the fix will be free of charge.
This morning I recieved an email asking me to call the service company to arrange for an engineer to visit. The engineer arrived this afternoon and straight away took off the back cover and said, yes the capacitors are ‘bulging’. He has now replaced them free of charge and the TV is fixed. All within 24hrs of contacting Samsung.
***Thank you Samsung, I am impressed with the way they handled the situation ***
So if anyone else is experiencing the same type of problem, give Samsung a call first.
A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS POSTED ON HERE AND TO THIS WEBSITE FOR POSTING THE INFO IN THE FIRST PLACE.
Wow!!! Thanks a million. This saved me loads of $$$$ and time. Popped open my 40″ Samsung LCD (Feb 2008 Model) and there were twoo capacitors bulging. They were 10V 2200 Micro Farad. Replaced them with 25V 2200 and the TV is up and running in about 1 hour.
I have a LTN4042H just called customer service to see if I could get it fixed, but to no avail. The woman said that my model did not fall in the production dates of the defective capacitors. Pryor to calling, I took the back of the TV off to make sure it was the capacitors and it was. I am very disgusted with the way I was treated and will never buy a product from them again.
Had letter about my 40″ PLASMA and they told me they dont have a problem with them, just the LCD models. Funny the power board is identical
They agreed by “Letter” to exchange for new model .
Thx for the tips guys
Thanks for the information My tv had the same problem and able to fix Thanks
Thanks for advice, ordered 5 Capacitors for £1.50 from RS Components Saturday, and they were delivered Tuesday, removed old capactitors and replaced new ones in about 10 Mins, Tv is now working perfect!!!
PLASMA 42″ 3 years old fixed free in the UK!
Having posted earlier, my problem has now been resolved FREE by Samsung UK! The PCB had blown and replacement cost would have been £240, but Samsung have agreed a free repair, carried out by their local agent, who collected and returned the TV free too. But it did take 3 weeks and a few phone calls mentioning this site and the Duty of Care. Thanks to all! Keep the faith, and pestering until you get a free repair …
Hi,
I work for a law firm that is investigating complaints of clicking and power cycling in Samsung LCD and plasma HDTVs. We have spoken with several Samsung TV owners who have similar experiences to the one described in this article. If you would like to share your story with us to help with our investigation, please feel free to give me a call at the firm’s toll-free number (866) 981-4800 or email me at jwh [at] GirardGibbs [dot] com.
Thanks,
John
Thanks- this happened to my Samsung and two 2000uF, 25V caps later, it lives again. Samsung should get a class action suit against them for using under-spec’d caps in their HDTV.
I have the same problem. I called 201.229.5000 (US number) and asked for Samsung Executive Relations department and they said there is no problem with the TV’s that they are aware of.
Some TV’s were part of a class action law suite that was settled, but it did not cover all the TV’s with this problem.
The only way we can win this is if there are phone calls to Samsung complaining about the problem. I am looking for a Class Action Suite but have not been able to find one at this time. If anyone does find where a class action suite has been started, please be sure to post here for everyone to read.
We have a samsung plasma tv which recently started acting up. We have had the tv for two years now. At first it would click on and off and turn on after several clicks, then it totally stopped turning on within days. Now my husband and I are sitting ducks. We tried contacting Samsung and their response was that our tv is not on the recall list and that it should have nothing wrong with it. We are out of warranty and we have no clue how much it is going to cost. My husband tried to take a look and see if it was the capacitors, but they seem fine. To call a repair company just to take a look at the TV,it is gong to cost an arm and a leg and who knows how much it’ll be for repairs. It is so frustrating because we spent so much money on this name brand thinking it would last for at least ten years.
Aalia,
First it is power board (Capacitor), if not then the CPU (mother board), if not then screen
In my case the powerboard was ok but mother board was bad. Mother board goes bad because of the bad power supply.
I spent $200 for CPU and $200 for service
Regards
Man oh Man, my 46′ Samsung LCD TV (Model LNT4669FX)just started the clicking a few days ago and is getting worst every time I try to power the set on. So far I’m not getting any support from Samsung. We need to post this on some of the social networking sites. These TV sets cost too much to only last for 2 to 3 years. At least when my Sony went out they covered the repairs.
Do not attempt to repair yourself, I was about to try the capacitor change but then sent samsung uk a service request after registering the TV online and next day I get a call from a local TV repair shop to pick up the TV! I am amazed, about to go on holiday so a week before they pick it up but they were going to pick it up after the weekend. I am very impressed with them – they are admitting the tv is defective as mine is 3 years old and the service request says this ->
Clicking noise
Standby lamp is flashing
One of the defected models
Repair FOC
i have a plasma philips 42 inch tv and have the same problem beacus of you i have abel to fixed it Thanks for advice
On line with Samsung US. They agreed to come out and repair/replace the capacitor if that is deemed to be the issue. If it’s not the capacitors I will be responsible for the charges. I called 1-201-229-5000 option #0 then option #1. Good Luck.
After reading this, went to Radio Shack, 3 capacitors at $1.79 each, plus a de-soldering iron at $10.99 (very helpful). Took less than a 1/2 hour, being VERY CAREFUL. Easy as pie, no problems since. Three 10 micro farad caps were all bulging as noted above, replaced with 35V type, easy.
THANKS!!!!!!!
Successfully fixed our 40″ LCD by replacing all four busted 1000µF 10v capacitors with 25v. Didn’t bother contacting samsung as the process took ~40 minutes including travel to buy the capacitors. Had the TV back up and running with no downtime
.
Hey all,
I suggest calling Samsung first, I just called, spent all of 4 minutes on the phone and have already heard from the local repair shop to schedule the appt (called me 15 mins after getting off the phone with Samsung support). We will see how the repair goes, but as far as Samsung’s participation is concerned I have to say I am impressed! Phone operator was friendly, up front, and responded to all questions quickly and (at least according to the info I have found on this and other sites) honestly.
I did ask what would happen if I tried to fix this myself and the operator let me know that tampering with the capacitors will void the one time free fix deal. So just a caution if you aren’t well versed in double E or soldering….
I will report back after the local repair tech shows up.
called samsungsupport…free one time fix… expecting a repair call to schedule repair date…easy and hopefully will have a functioning tv on Thanksgiving Day
Samsung repair guy came out today and replaced 2 bulging 10v 2200µF capacitors. It took him all of 20 minutes. Not bad at all. Now the TV is performing like new.
I ran out and replaced the bulging capacitors on my TV. Three of the capacitors were obviously bad, bulging and leaking. I didn’t change any that were no bulging. My TV worked fine for a couple of months, but now I am getting new symptons. Sometimes when it first turns on the lower right quadrant starts to tremble. It does that for about 5 minutes and then fixes itself. Recently another problem has cropped up. This time a black line, or two, appear horizontally on the screen and sit there for a fairly long time. Then they too go away. I wonder if some of the caps I did not change are bad or if the original bad caps caused other parts to go bad. This whole fiasco has left a bad taste in my mouth. I’m never going to buy another Samsung product.
Ok I have a LNT405HAX/XAA. had the same issues with the clicking… was ready to do it my self. Called samsung and advised of my issue. They then transferred me to their Executive Relations Dept. 1-800-522-7341. She then scheduelded me for free repair as long as its just the capacitor issue. Just don’t feel like dealing with the fixing it myself… Hopefully this works
Hello all. I had the same experience and decided to do the same. I purchased the 2200µF 35V caps to replace the 2200µF 10V. Also, the 1000µF 25V caps were replaced with 1000µF 35V caps. They were purchased from newark.com. After all it was said and done, TV works fine. Is it me or did anyone else who did this on their own notice a slight loss in picture quality? Maybe it’s just me.
So glad I found this site! We have a samsung LCD TV model number LE40R74BD, and it started clicking 3 or 4 times before powering up, now it’s 11 or 12 times. Ive had the tv 3 1/2 years now but expect after paying 800 quid for a tv for it to last much longer. The hubby is gonna ring samsung tomorrow, armed with information you have all supplied such as it being a known fault, they have a duty of care, the sale of goods act etc etc. Want to get it sorted now before it refuses to turn on entirely. Am hopeful as there has been a post on this site by someone with the same model as me and the same age as mine, and theirs was fixed for free. Will let you know…
The repair guy just left, took 15 mins. Gotta say, I am impressed with the response by Samsung
Same thing here. Out of warranty but called Samsung, briefly described the problem, and no problem getting the free service call and repair. Did have to agree to pay if problem not the capacitors. Willing to take that chance.
The thing I’m still concerned about is if this is a one time thing it seems very likely that this is going to happen again and I’m going to be SOL then. Is this likely? I wonder if I should make sure the guy replaces all of them (as was done in the article). Even if I have to pay extra for that I would do so if it prevents the same problem again (I don’t think Samsung will do this again for this TV).
Samsung told me that they are fixing TV’s made after October ’07, not before. Mine was made in February and they will not repair it. Had a local Leesburg Florida repair shop replace all the capacitors for $240.00. I won’t buy anything Samsung again.
my samsung LCD was exhibiting the same symptoms a couple weeks ago and as with everyone else, was getting progressively worse (more clicks, longer startup) called up samsung, gave them my model/serial number and right away they said they will send out a tech to fix the capictors
My LN46A650A1F started clicking and finally quit after 19 months..had a 3rd party warrantee that covered the inspection/repair by Samsung designated repair shop. Absolutely no help from Samsung Canada..”no problems” with that TV they say. After about 3 months it started clicking again yesterday..dead today..just clicking away..Nice to have the American executive relations department phone number if Canada still denies there is a problem..Tx
I just had the scare of my life! While I was watching my 58″ Samsung Plasma 1080 (FPT5884) it started to pop and crackle and burn!!!! The smell was awful!!! I thought I was going to have a fire for sure! This TV is only 2 years old and just out of warranty.I bought an extended warranty (additional 3 yrs) only to find out the company no longer exits (Repair Tech) I was so scared I had my husband put the tv in the yard because I didn’t know if it was still burning!I thought I bought a good set (over$3,000) and for it to blow up in 2 years is ridiculous.SAMSUNG you better have a good answer for me in the morning!!! I’m pissed!!!
Hi All. Just checking if my 40″ samsung is “faulty” due to same issue. To start with sound went a bit dodgy at higher level, then the on/off issue with TV deciding to switch itself followed by the dreaded clicking sound. Last but worst of all the picture is now terrible with severe ghosting and pretty rainbow colours following the movement on the screen.
Reading through all this comments it sounds as if all my issues have arised due to the power issue.
Samsung are sending out the local repair shop to change over capacitors but appently anything else i need to pay for ( we will see about that ).
Any helpful advice on my next move would be welcome.
Cheers
Success! Hubby phoned Samsung on the number on this site on fri 22nd, and was told that although out of warranty (purchased march 2007) it did sound like the problem described here and would get an engineer to call us. Soon after the engineer called and arranged to come out on sat 23rd between 9 and 1. He was a little late, but if he was to fix my tv it was ok! He confirmed the problem was as expected and arranged to come back on the monday 25th with the parts. TV now comes on first time! First class service from Samsung, I am very pleased!!
My Samsung started the clicking two days ago. Did not think it would start at all today. Thanks for the information on this site. I will be calling Samsung when I get off work today.
Hi all
Just another quick comment to remind people not to be to kind to Samsung. This is a company that know they are thousands of unlucky customers with faulty tvs out there. How many poor sods have bought a new tv because of this.
I am still waiting to find out about my own TV as it gets picked up on Wed and i fully expect to be back on the phone with Samsung.
Thanks for all the excellent advice and help on this site. I had the same problem, registered onto Samsung site as suggested, contacted them on Friday, received a call on Monday morning from repair company. They came out Wednesday, TV all fixed, no charges for this. Strange though I have not had a call or email from Samsung themselves.
I have 46 inch LCD, ln46a530, only 2 years old. This posting and few other postings (like – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm51C_RDIZE&feature=related )on this problem helped me to fix my TV.
Thanks a lot!
Its LOUIS CSEFKO again from Burlington On CANADA
Does anyone out there had any luck with Samsung free repair on a LNS4041dx. I just talked to their”executive” line on Oct 22 with the same BS retorick Serv Rep “Andela”proclaimed that my model no. is NOTcovered. I asked her why not since all TV models of this manufacture have the same power supply problem?…SILENCE….Sir your model is not covered at this time,was her only response. (what a bunch of bullocks)
I have now in desperation went to see my local TV repair man here in Burlington , he is also quite aware of this clicking power supply problem and for a fee he assured me he will fix it.Perhaps has a corrupted EPROM need reset or replace, as I have unsuccessfully replaced all the Caps to a higher V. and NO joy
I also took the step and filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau which will take about 30 days for them to reply. MAD as HELL the way Samsung is treating customers at least here in CANADA and will newer by SAMSUNG JUNK AGAIN.
LOUIS BURLINGTON ON CANADA
i have the same problem on out of warranty 52 inch HDTV and called samsung today. they are taking care of it and they are a first class company in every way! i have always loved samsung and pick them first on new electronics and this just solidifies it for me. they are great! problems happen, a great company takes care of it when it does!
my lnt405ha started to click then just got worsre waiting for it to stop working then off to buy a sharp quattron or a sony xbr ,,,,,oh by the way did i say this was a replacemnt for the one i returned a month after i xbought the first one that started doing the click…never ever buy a samsung
Sweet, I called this Samusung executive customer service number, my TV is on the list, it’s also 3.5 years old. They are sending a tech to fix it this week
1-800-522-7341